A 3-0 victory over Leeds United on the final day proved in vain as West Ham United were unable to preserve their Premier League status, with Tottenham Hotspur surviving by just two points.
Nuno Espírito Santo has opted to remain in East London, which is a huge signal of intent for their ambitions for the forthcoming campaign, despite reports he would depart following their relegation. A handful of their key players including Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen are expected to depart.
From the mouth-watering derby with Millwall to renewed rivalries with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, there is no shortage of intriguing fixtures awaiting the Hammers this term.
Key games to look out for
It’s a tricky start to life in the Championship with a trip to Turf Moor to face fellow recently-relegated Burnley first up on Sunday 16 August. The Clarets were in talks with Wales boss Craig Bellamy about the vacant managerial position, but the former West Ham midfielder opted to turn down the role.
Their first competitive outing of the 2026/27 season comes in the Carabao Cup First Round, where they have been drawn to face fellow Championship outfit Portsmouth at home, scheduled to take place a week before their league curtain-raiser.
Their first clash at the London Stadium sees Charlton Athletic make the short trip to E20 five days later, before heading to Watford to conclude the opening month of the campaign.
Autumn tests and the Millwall derby
The Hammers will also make trips to promoted Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City in September and October respectively, with the clash at Sincil Bank marking the first league meeting between the two sides since 1957.
A first encounter with Millwall comes just before the September international break, before The Den plays host to this infamous fixture in February.
A congested December period sees West Ham lock horns with several promotion hopefuls including Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Birmingham City prior to hosting Norwich City on Boxing Day.
Into 2027 and a busy April
They commence 2027 at Ashton Gate with a clash against Bristol City, in a month which also includes back-to-back home meetings with Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers.
Consecutive away London derbies await at the end of February and the start of March, with trips to Queens Park Rangers followed by Charlton Athletic.
April is the Hammers' joint-busiest month of the campaign with six fixtures, before they conclude the season with the visit of Portsmouth on Saturday 1 May.
